Miss California: "This should not happen in America"

"I exercised my freedom of speech -- and I was punished for doing so. This should not happen in America."
Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009
(after Donald Trump announced she will keep her crown)
Video of remarks

"I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."
Barack Obama

It all began with Carrie Prejean responding to a question about legalizing gay marriage. Her response:
"We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

“It's the same answer that the president of the United States gave. She gave an honorable answer. She gave an answer from her heart.”
Donald Trump at May 12, 2009, press conference

Miss California: "God was testing me"

"This happened for a reason. By having to answer that question in front of a national audience, God was testing my character and faith. I'm glad I stayed true to myself." -- Carrie Prejean

Miss California Carrie Prejean, 21, stayed true to herself and her principles at the Miss USA Pageant held over the weekend when a judge, Perez Hilton, asked if she believed in gay marriage, according to The Fox Nation.

It reminds me of those bracelets that say, "WWJD" ... "What Would Jesus Do." We all know what we'd like to do when tested ... the real test is when we are actually confronted with it and how we respond. Ms. Prejean's answer to what many think was a set-up question:

"I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

When someone suggested her answer may have cost her the crown (she came in second place), she responded:

"... you can never compromise your beliefs and your opinions for anything."

And what of Perez Hilton? Apparently a well-known openly-gay celebrity gossip blogger (I had never heard of him), he went on a video rant on his blog after the Miss USA Contest and slammed Ms. Prejean:

“She lost not because she doesn’t believe in gay marriage, she lost because she’s a dumb bitch!”

That's classy.

Note to Miss USA Pageant: Find a less controversial judge. Note to Ms. Prejean: You passed the test.